Holmdel

Jul 05, 2018

A Fresh Look at Bell Works this Summer

By Joanne Colella

Wednesdays may very well become market day for local residents – especially for workers who populate the vast Bell Works complex in Holmdel – with the recent launch of Bell Works Fresh, a farmers and makers market held weekly from 2 to 6 pm on Wednesdays through Sept. 5.

A variety of locally based artisans, vendors, and growers of tasty Jersey produce will sell their goods each week in the center of the huge Bell Works atrium. Opening day was held May 30 for the food-based event, which follows up on the popular Bell Street Market days held this past winter and spring that featured merchandise, cocktails, music, and yoga sessions.

More than 20 vendors kicked off the Bell Works Fresh season, and more are expected to come onboard as news spreads. Some have already come with loyal followings of their own from Fresh Market events held elsewhere New Jersey, but the Holmdel location is the only one featuring a comfortable indoor setting that’s not at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Curious visitors on May 30 turned out to view the offerings, with some going home with purchases of organic produce, honey, homemade jelly, pickles and relish, gourmet mushrooms, and tea. Some bought bottles of wines from Holmdel’s own Fox Hollow Vineyards, located down the road from Bell Works, which is fast becoming a go-to destination itself, with weekly wine tastings and musical entertainment.

Vendor tables in the atrium featured crochet crafts, paintings, jewelry, clothing, handbags and more. Even adorable, adoptable cats and dogs were present, courtesy of the Humane Society of Tinton Falls, which will bring rescue animals to Bell Works Fresh every other week in hopes of finding them happy homes.

As the workday came to a close, some attendees gathered around a cocktail bar set up for happy hour, then settled into the atrium seating to socialize. The social mixer/happy hour is another weekly event running 4 to 8 pm on Wednesdays, with wine, brews and craft cocktails at affordable prices.

The Bell Works Fresh market is free and open to the public. The market may perhaps be extended beyond Sept. 5, depending on demand and success. For more details, visit asburyfresh.com or bell.works.

Soccer fans are welcome to visit the atrium for constant livestreaming of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. All are welcome to support their favorite team; attendance is free and open to the public, but registration is requested at eventbrite.com/e/bell-works-world-cup-viewing-main-atrium-tickets-46855554224.

Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel. To learn more about what’s happening at this “metroburb,” visit bell.works.